Over the past few weeks, the situation surrounding the so-called “Medvedchuk Pipeline” case has begun to gain momentum, and developments in this high-profile investigation have received a new impetus
According to sources, recent searches and the intensification of investigative actions have led to a more active pace in the case, and there is information in law enforcement circles about new proceedings, particularly in Rivne's judicial instances. Significant changes in the criminal proceedings occurred after some Rivne judges started showing interest in the case and even announced possible confirmations of contacts with individuals "from Kyiv," who, in their instructions and phone conversations, issued certain directives. At the same time, law enforcement agencies assure that the investigation is actively progressing and not stopping, despite competition among various structures. The story of the "Medvedchuk Pipeline" has long attracted the attention of society and experts. It began back in 2017 and concerns the Ukrainian section of the main oil product pipeline "Samara – Western Direction," which, after Ukraine gained independence, was planned to transfer into state ownership. However, according to the investigation and journalistic investigations, in 2017, the Economic Court of Rivne Region, under pressure and under the leadership of high-ranking officials in regional authorities at the time, made a decision in favor of a company that was part of Viktor Medvedchuk’s business orbit. This decision effectively allowed this company to gain control over the strategic pipeline, linked to subsequent abuses and possibly simulated government decisions. Over time, it was suggested that the central authorities tried to legally restore this scheme, but progress was very slow or stalled. Now, with searches intensifying in the investigation, testimony has emerged indicating that witnesses have recalled calls and instructions from Kyiv, pointing to a possible political and technical component of the corruption scheme. According to sources, the issue of returning the case to the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is currently being resolved. Initially, the investigation was conducted there, but due to lack of progress, judicial and police circles decided to transfer the case to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). This decision was made in response to numerous complaints and institutional conflicts, as well as difficulties in conducting covert investigative actions, which NABU faced in court proceedings. The complex history of this investigation is connected not only to the specific pipeline but also to a series of corruption schemes that are being actively uncovered and researched by political forces and law enforcement agencies. It is also important to consider the broader context: during Petro Poroshenko’s presidency, large-scale searches were carried out, notably near former Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Oleksiy Filatov, who coordinated judicial reform and promoted the interests of oligarchic structures. Similarly, in April, investigative actions were carried out against former Antimonopoly Committee officials, including Svitlana Panaiotidi. All of this indicates systematic efforts by law enforcement and judicial circles to identify and investigate corruption schemes rooted in political eras and private business interests. Currently, with the renewed investigation into the "Medvedchuk Pipeline," this case is again becoming one of the most dynamic and publicly resonant. Investigators point out that cases involving elite figures and potential involvement in large-scale corruption schemes are now receiving new momentum due to political and legal restructuring and the ongoing struggle for control within the criminal procedural system. Regarding the "Medvedchuk Pipeline" and other cases with oligarchic undertones — processes are clearly gaining speed and may have far-reaching political and legal implications for Ukraine. Thus, the situation surrounding the "Medvedchuk Pipeline" remains one of the most significant and complex in the political and criminal landscape of the country. New investigative actions are expected, possibly including the case’s return to NABU and further in-depth examination of the corruption chessboard that has been unfolding for more than five years. At the same time, these processes are not yet complete, and the political spectrum and power structures are actively trying to influence the course of investigations in their interests.